Elizabeth Williams, OTD, OTR/L
Physical Rehabilitation & Chronic Conditions | Audience Level: Introductory
In outpatient orthopedics, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) rely heavily on biomechanical interventions, including physical agent modalities (PAMs). However, these methods often overlook physiological stress, which can influence pro-inflammatory biomarkers and delay tissue repair. This session explores the mind-body connection, demonstrating how to layer brief mindfulness techniques directly over standard PAM protocols. Highlighting a 5-week clinical initiative where 100% of patients reported reduced physical tension and pain, this presentation provides actionable strategies to integrate mind-body care directly into everyday orthopedic treatment.
This session advances professional development by addressing the primary barrier to mind-body integration: practitioner reluctance. By reframing mindfulness as a valuable tool to enhance physical recovery, OTPs will be empowered to reclaim the profession’s holistic roots and establish mind-body integration as a baseline standard of care.